Any easy way to check a O2 sensor??

[slocrow]

Just wondering if there is a easy way (no expensive meters) to check whether a O2 sensor is functioning correctly, or not? My 99 V6 Camry is throwing a PO135 code which is the heated upstream O2 sensor (Bank 1, Sensor 1). Replacement cost at the dealer retail is $162 and even internet RockAuto is at $75. I'd like some easy way to confirm that it's the problem and bad. Thanks, Frank

[phat46]

Just wondering if there is a easy way (no expensive meters) to check whether a O2 sensor is functioning correctly, or not? My 99 V6 Camry is throwing a PO135 code which is the heated upstream O2 sensor (Bank 1, Sensor 1). Replacement cost at the dealer retail is $162 and even internet RockAuto is at $75. I'd like some easy way to confirm that it's the problem and bad. Thanks, Frank

I wonder if they can check them at Auto/Murry/Checker/Boys, but then you'd have to take it out anyway which is usually a pain.

[slocrow]

I wonder if they can check them at Auto/Murry/Checker/Boys, but then you'd have to take it out anyway which is usually a pain.

There's a thought. I can call and check. As for the PIA to remove, I can't believe it's location. If I'm correct, Bank 1 is the driver side and even with the FWD I believe it's right there behind the radiator, in the exhaust header. Right in plain sight with no apparent get to problems. From the horror stories I've heard I just couldn't believe the easy location. I even looked for a second against the fire wall, assuming that's where I had to go.
Now if I just was sure it was the sensor that was bad. ...................

[wayne petty]

96 and newer OBD2

http://www.harborfreight.com/can-obd-ii-code-reader-eobd-scanner-98614.html

120 bucks... it displays live data streams...

it displays graphs of the some of the sensors including the oxygen sensors...

be sure to download the users manual for it..

study section 5.3 and 5.5...

http://manuals.harborfreight.com/manuals/98000-98999/98614.pdf


you will also find this site has some info that can help..

http://www.obd-codes.com/

this is a better place to start on this site..

http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/

P0135 is the heater circuit.... not the sensor circuit..

so it could be the relay.. power source... or the sensor..

read this links info...

http://www.obd-codes.com/p0135


i will have to dig around and see if i can find a trouble shooting chart for the P0135 on a toyota...

[slocrow]

Hey Wayne, Thanks for the direction and the effort and time taken. I'll be sure to follow through and report back after I investigate all your offered options.
And not only thanks for my answer but for all the thoughtful and informative answers that you've populated this site with through the years. It's folks like you that make the RRT forum super.....Frank
PS: And of course Wayne is not alone as there are many here who jump in too offer help...........but he's a regular.

[wayne petty]

this is from an 04 3VZ toyota manual..

DTC P0135 Heated Oxygen Sensor Heater Circuit
Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 1)

DTC P0141 Heated Oxygen Sensor Heater Circuit
Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 2)

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
Refer to DTC P0125 on page DI–44.
DTC No. DTC Detecting Condition Trouble Area
P0135

When heater operates, heater current exceeds 2 A
(2 trip detection logic)   Open or short in heater circuit of heated oxygen sensor
H t d h t

P0141 Heater current of 0.2 A or less when heater operates
(2 trip detection logic)

 Heated oxygen sensor heater
ECM


HINT:   wayne is not sure that this applies to your car...
 Sensor 1 refers to the sensor closer to the engine body.
 Sensor 2 refers to the sensor farther away from the engine body.


so you might want to use a digital volt meter with an 10 or 15 amp DC scale.... to measure the sensor amp draw....

[kb426]

Wayne, that meter you listed makes my code reader look stupid. Does the live feed make you smart or confused with too much info?

[wayne petty]

the trick with live data is to have a factory service manual or the electronic version online...  so you can compare the sensor voltage to what it should be...     i have a chart and have posted it over on the 95 olds thread to compare most sensor readings to.. one line at a time...
take the first scan tool sensor reading and find the proper line on the chart...

everybody should print several copies of this and stuff them in the bag with the scan tool.... not all of these data lines are used on every car.. and this is  a generic list for GM cars...  but most cars display the same info as this...    read it one line at a time...




that scan tool from HF is the best one for the price...  and should be in everybodys tool box drawer...

the company  who produced it has come out with a newer version..   but i have not found any for sale... and they come 10 to a case...

this one does abs also

http://auteltech.com/ms609.htm

this is the unit that HF sells.. as 98614

http://auteltech.com/ms509.htm

then there is this

http://auteltech.com/md801.htm

and this one which i think is sold by mac tools...

http://auteltech.com/ds708.htm

i did miss a early genisys for 175 last week... those will run rings around these units.. but they cost over 2 grand new...

the 98614 is something that will do most of the jobs that average people , home mechanics will run into... and is a tool that someone can walk into a harbor freight store almost anywhere and buy one in minutes..

[papastoyss]

I'm pretty sure bank 1 is firewall side.

[papastoyss]

I'm pretty sure bank 1 is firewall side.

I got time to look it up & bank 1 is firewall side on your Camry. We've had good luck w/Bosch universal sensors, you'll have to clip the plug off your old sensor & splice onto the new sensor.Use crimp terminals,the connectors that come w/the Bosch sensor are troublesome.If your car is Calif. spec emissions it will have an air/fuel ratio instead of o2 sensor & you will have to go to the dealer &"assume the position"

[rooster]

I'm pretty sure bank 1 is firewall side.

We've had good luck w/Bosch universal sensors, you'll have to clip the plug off your old sensor & splice onto the new sensor.Use crimp terminals,the connectors that come w/the Bosch sensor are troublesome.If your car is Calif. spec emissions it will have an air/fuel ratio instead of o2 sensor & you will have to go to the dealer &"assume the position"

Thats the first I have read about the Bosch sensor connectors!!! I replaced mine with a Bosch in early summer. good to know!

&[quote you will have to go to the dealer &"assume the position"[/quote]
LOL

[rooster]

Just wondering if there is a easy way (no expensive meters) to check whether a O2 sensor is functioning correctly, or not? My 99 V6 Camry is throwing a PO135 code which is the heated upstream O2 sensor (Bank 1, Sensor 1). Replacement cost at the dealer retail is $162 and even internet RockAuto is at $75. I'd like some easy way to confirm that it's the problem and bad. Thanks, Frank

thought might have intrest in this procedure of testing the o2 sensor.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=736584&highlight=02+sensor+testing
Denny

[slocrow]

Guys; Sorry for the slow response to your added information. Been gone a few days.

I got time to look it up & bank 1 is firewall side on your Camry. We've had good luck w/Bosch universal sensors, you'll have to clip the plug off your old sensor & splice onto the new sensor.Use crimp terminals, the connectors that come w/the Bosch sensor are troublesome.If your car is Calif. spec emissions it will have an air/fuel ratio instead of o2 sensor & you will have to go to the dealer &"assume the position"

Hummmmm, maybe that's why I heard that the Bosch sensors fail when used with Camry & Honda. Maybe the splicing is the problem that most are unknowingly referring too. I know that OEM uses the Denso brand which aren't the best I'm told, though they appear to be the lowest cost option. Troublesome thoughts to follow.
Thanks as yes, that is correct that bank 1 is the firewall side. I learned that bank 1 is the side #1 hole is on, regardless. Found that out after some good research was provided. I took a look at the location and did get a wrench on the current sensor. It's blocked by the rack so it's going to be tough and it looks more accessible from the top. I might have to find an experienced mechanic in this area of repair and pay the price.
Thanks again, Frank

[wayne petty]

if you have an autozone nearby...  they have a rent a tool section behind the counter.. look at the  counter mats...  with a set of 5 or 6 different shaped o2 sensor removal sockets.. az loan a tool  Oxygen Sensor Wrench Set  #OEM27110

they also have something that has a handle like a spark plug ratchet.. but a crow foot oxygen sensor wrench on it.. makes getting to them easier.. not a rental tool..  
http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/product-info/en/US/grn/27162/image/4/


i personally have not had trouble with the bosch oxygen sensors...  the denso brand... i have no access to here...  denso is equal delphi in japan.. make parts for all kinds of cars..    roughly translated... nippon denso... japan electric...